Chronic Living Blog

In life, you are in charge. You make decisions on everything from how your money is spent, what you eat, and your health. Those decisions are based on your values.

When things go wrong, it makes it difficult to make your choices. This is the point most people will find a someone to help them sort it out.

That person will be someone you trust. Someone who knows your values. It could be your parent, spouse, friend, or your child. That trusted person is your ally.

Sometimes stuff happens where you are not able to make decisions for your self. An example would be you can’t wake up after a car accident. Perhaps you had a heart attack, or have a big infection with delirium.

Your trusted person is also known as a proxy, or a medical power of attorney. You can make a living will designating the person with this power ahead of time.

Hospital policy and the law will dictate that person if you don’t. Most often, that is the spouse, parent, child, or closest relative they can find. They do the best they can with the information they have.

If it is an emergency and no one can be found for you, the staff will give reasonable care to save your life.

You don’t want strangers making decisions for you, if possible. Choose a trusted person to take your place if needed. Tell them your values and how you want your care to be.

Draw up a Living Will and share it with your trusted person. Give a copy to your doctor and hospital.